The manufacturer added 9 new Ambassadors and 2 All-Star Ambassadors to its award-winning social media program, which continues to expand its impact Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, recently announced that its 2025 social media Ambassador Program will include nine newly added plumbing influencers and four returning Ambassadors. In addition Read more
Oatey Co.
The manufacturer added 9 new Ambassadors and 2 All-Star Ambassadors to its award-winning social media program, which continues to expand its impact
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, recently announced that its 2025 social media Ambassador Program will include nine newly added plumbing influencers and four returning Ambassadors. In addition, the company designated two of its tenured Ambassadors as prestigious All-Star Ambassadors.
The 2025 class of new Oatey Ambassadors includes Clayton Deeds, Leon Garrett, Mike Caruso, Alan Carlson, Mary-Anne Bowcott, Brian Joyce, Jose Lopez, Keith McGillivary and Zachary Edmond, collectively representing a diverse range of plumbing and building expertise from across North America. The new Ambassadors join returning Oatey Ambassadors Tucker Baney, Nick Hotujec, David Williams, Rob Lupton, Schuyler Mooney and Grant Blundell, as well as several influential alumni Ambassadors.
Oatey Ambassadors are passionate advocates who showcase Oatey and its family of brands through engaging, authentic social media content and activity. Acting as an extension of the Oatey team, Ambassadors collaborate on various initiatives such as social media campaigns, giveaways, trade shows, podcasts, and more to share the story behind Oatey products.
Each year, Ambassadors are invited to attend a two-day event at Oatey University, the company’s premier training center. This immersive experience, known as Ambassador Fest, offers hands-on training, in-depth product discussions, a tour of Oatey’s manufacturing operations, and a visit to Oatey’s world headquarters to meet with associates.
Oatey’s newly designated All-Star Ambassadors include Evan Berns and Shay Lorette, who join existing All-Stars Danielle Browne, Thomas Young, Robert Broccolo and Germaine Nelson. Each of these Ambassadors has been part of the Oatey Ambassador Program for at least two years, displaying an impressive passion for Oatey and a commitment to the Ambassador Program and the plumbing community at large. As All-Star Ambassadors, the influencers remain in the Ambassador Program beyond its standard two-year duration, continuing to enjoy program perks in addition to enhanced partnership opportunities with Oatey.
Over the past year, Oatey has expanded its commitment to supporting Ambassadors in their home territories. This includes an “Oatey on the Road” social media series that spotlights Ambassadors on the job and Oatey swag giveaways for Ambassadors to gift to their local supply houses. The company plans to further expand these initiatives in 2025 as part of its efforts to support Ambassadors online and offline as they grow their businesses and brands.
“Oatey is proud to collaborate with such an incredible group of skilled plumbing professionals through our Ambassador Program,” said Katherine Lehtinen, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Oatey. “As the program continues to evolve, we are sincerely thankful for the dedication and enthusiasm of our Ambassadors. Their passion for Oatey and the work they do inspires us every day. We remain committed to championing their talents, supporting their growth in the industry, and amplifying their voices across the platforms where they publish.”
Individuals interested in becoming a future Oatey Ambassador can submit their information on the Oatey website for consideration. For additional information about Oatey’s Ambassador Program, visit oatey.com.
Twenty-year Oatey veteran with experience in supply chain and wholesale sales management now heads the wholesale rough plumbing, commercial, specialty, and showroom sales teams Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, announced today that Matt Foraker has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Wholesale. Foraker joined Oatey more than 20 years Read more
Twenty-year Oatey veteran with experience in supply chain and wholesale sales management now heads the wholesale rough plumbing, commercial, specialty, and showroom sales teams
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, announced today that Matt Foraker has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Wholesale.
Foraker joined Oatey more than 20 years ago as a member of the supply chain team, before transitioning to the wholesale sales team in 2011 as National Sales Manager, Specialty Divisions. Since then, he has served as Regional Sales Manager in the Southeast and National Sales Manager for Rough Plumbing. Since October, he has led Oatey’s wholesale team on an interim basis as Director of Wholesale.
As SVP, Wholesale, Foraker will lead Oatey’s wholesale rough plumbing, commercial, specialty and showroom sales teams, focused on investing in customer relationships while growing sales and evolving business strategy.
“My career at Oatey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m pleased to be a part of the company’s ongoing growth,” says Foraker. “I’m excited to continue to partner with our exceptional sales team, rep agencies and customers to achieve great things together.”
“During his time at Oatey, Matt has established himself as a highly respected, strategic leader both in our business and across our industry,” said Wyatt Kilmartin, Oatey’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “I look forward to his expanded leadership as we continue to deliver results for our customers and our organization.”
The award is given to a manufacturer’s representative who exemplifies the legacy and winning spirit of the late Bob Bender, a trailblazing member of the Oatey sales organization for more than 40 years. Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, proudly announces Rick Portt, owner of New Century Sales, as the Read more
The award is given to a manufacturer’s representative who exemplifies the legacy and winning spirit of the late Bob Bender, a trailblazing member of the Oatey sales organization for more than 40 years.
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, proudly announces Rick Portt, owner of New Century Sales, as the third annual winner of the Bob Bender Legacy Award. This recognition highlights Portt’s exceptional dedication to his customers, unwavering commitment to the Oatey brand, and outstanding contributions to the plumbing industry.
The award is named in honor of the late Bob Bender, a 42-year veteran sales leader at Oatey, known for his larger-than-life personality, customer-centric approach, and passion for building enduring relationships. The award celebrates individuals who embody Bender’s spirit by prioritizing customer satisfaction, fostering strong connections, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the values upheld by Oatey Co.
“Rick Portt exemplifies the essence of the Bob Bender Legacy Award. His unwavering dedication to his customers, combined with his commitment to the Oatey brand, makes him a truly deserving recipient,” says Christen Allen, Director of National Sales – Rough Plumbing at Oatey Co. “Rick’s genuine passion for his work and his relentless pursuit of excellence serve as a shining example for the entire industry.”
Founded in 1997, New Century Sales has been a cornerstone in the plumbing industry for over three decades. Under Portt’s leadership, the company has continuously upheld the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and customer service. Portt’s enduring commitment to Oatey Co. is reflected in his steadfast advocacy for the brand, his relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, and his unwavering support of the plumbing community.
Portt’s dedication to his craft is underscored by his adherence to three guiding principles: build relationships, secure orders, and the motto “have fun; it’s just plumbing.” These principles have been instrumental in shaping his approach to business and have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and customers alike.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Portt was presented with the Bob Bender Legacy Award at a ceremony held in Detroit, Michigan. Surrounded by colleagues, customers, and members of the Oatey team, Portt graciously accepted the award, thanking those who have supported him throughout his career.
“I consider myself fortunate to have worked alongside Bob for many years,” says Portt. “The first time I had the opportunity to interact with him was during a competition he had organized called ‘Create A Vacation.’ At that time, I was new to Reliant Sales and halfway through the contest, Bob took the time to reach out to me because we had never met.”
“His thoughtfulness and support motivated me to work even harder, and I ended up winning the contest,” he explains. “Bob’s commitment to Oatey and everyone he worked with was truly inspiring. Whenever Bob’s name is mentioned, it is always accompanied by a smile and a fond memory. It is indeed an honor for me to have my name associated with Bob’s legacy.”
Portt’s name was added to the Bob Bender Legacy Cup, which commemorates the list of winners, alongside Chase Freeman of Spirit Group, who won the inaugural award in 2022, and Skipper Joyce, founder of The Joyce Agency and winner of the second annual award in 2023.
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, has hired Jon Boehlke as Director of Operations at its William H. Harvey manufacturing facility in Omaha, Nebraska. Boehlke comes to Oatey from Hormel Foods, where he worked for more than two decades in various manufacturing leadership positions, most recently serving as Senior Operations Read more
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, has hired Jon Boehlke as Director of Operations at its William H. Harvey manufacturing facility in Omaha, Nebraska.
Boehlke comes to Oatey from Hormel Foods, where he worked for more than two decades in various manufacturing leadership positions, most recently serving as Senior Operations Manager. In his new position at Oatey, he will oversee the day-to-day operational and long-term strategic needs of the Omaha manufacturing facility, ensuring that operational functions are performed in a timely, efficient, and safe manner.
“Jon is a proven operations leader with robust experience leading teams and driving results in a manufacturing environment,” said Bob Beesley, Oatey’s Senior Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering. “We are pleased to welcome him to the Oatey team and look forward to his many contributions at our Omaha site.”
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, announced that Juli Musch has joined the organization as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. With more than 30 years of experience in financial management, Musch is a proven executive with a wide range of expertise across finance, treasury, accounting, and other business Read more
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, announced that Juli Musch has joined the organization as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
With more than 30 years of experience in financial management, Musch is a proven executive with a wide range of expertise across finance, treasury, accounting, and other business disciplines. She comes to Oatey from Arden Companies where she served as Chief Financial Officer for the past decade, responsible for treasury, accounting, taxes, pricing and legal activities. Previously, she served in leadership positions at Besser Company and Kmart.
“Oatey is an industry leader committed to serving its customers, associates and communities,” Musch commented. “I am excited to join this dynamic organization and help build upon its proven track record of success.”
“Juli is a proven leader and her financial and business expertise will be invaluable as she partners with our senior leadership team to develop and execute our strategic plans,” said Neal Restivo, Oatey’s Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to her many contributions as we continue to serve our customers and enhance and grow our business.”